BANGLADESH

Group project, created by: Yelena Mikshanskaya, Kasey Murrey, Molly

Peterson, Jason Rexroad, Mariya Roata, and Stephen Stabbert

November 18, 2011

Table of ContentsGeography of Bangladesh (By Mariya Roata)

Bangladesh Economy (By Stephen Stabbert)

Bangladesh Nonverbal use of Clothing (formal and informal) (By Molly Peterson)

Bangladesh Rituals (verbal and nonverbal traditions) (By Kasey Murrey)

Bangladesh Gender Roles (By Yelena Mikshanskaya)

Bangladesh Religion (By Jason Rexroad)

The purpose of this presentation is to tell the viewer as much information about Bangladesh

as possible. After viewing this presentation you will know geographical facts, nonverbal use of clothing, rituals, gender roles and about religion of Bangladesh.

Geography of Bangladesh(By: Mariya Roata)

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Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, Bangladesh: the greatest Buddhist

Vihara in the Indian Subcontinent, built by Dharmapala of Bengal

Geographical FactsBangladesh:

Bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma (Myanmar)

Lies between latitudes 20° and 27°N, and longitudes 88° and 93°E.

Most parts are less than 12 m (39.4 ft) above the sea level

Water is contaminated with arsenic frequently because of the high arsenic contents in the soil

Total area is 56,977 sq mi (147,570 km2)

93.6% land and 6.4% water

Floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores occur almost every year

Is one of world's largest producers of rice, tea, potato, mango, onion and mustard

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Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh

More Geographical FactsBangladesh:Map references is AsiaComparative: Slightly smaller than

IowaCoast line is 580 kmClimate is tropical; mild winter

(October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Terrain is mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in the southeast

Natural resources are natural gas, arable land, timber and coal

50,500 sq km are irrigated landLand use:

Arable land: 55% Permanent crops 3% Other: 42%

Source: cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html

Bangladesh Land Use Distribution

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Bangladesh EconomyBy Stephen Stabbert

http://coins.about.com/od/worldcoins/ig/World-Coins-Gallery-Index/Bangladesh-Money-Coins.htm

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=81840

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=368272

Economy

http://www.sts-machinery.com/bangladesh-agriculture-ministry/

Bangladesh is primarily an agrarian economy. This means that they rely largely on farming to support their society (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Agriculture is the single largest producing sector of the economy, comprising 30% of the Countries GDP and employing around 60% of the total labor force (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Jute and tea are the two main sources of foreign exchange (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Major impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods which ruin important crops, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, and inadequate infrastructure concerning transportation and power needs (Bangladesh :: Economy, n.d.).

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/arsenic/visual.php

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Agriculture Meeting the nation's food requirements is the key-

objective of the government (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Agricultural holdings in Bangladesh are generally small (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Rice, Jute, Sugarcane, Potato, Pulses, Wheat, Tea and Tobacco are the principal crops (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Bangladesh is the world leading supplier of Jute (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

The crop sub-sector dominates the agriculture sector contributing about 72% of total production. Fisheries, livestock and forestry sub-sectors are 10.33%, 10.11% and 7.33% respectively (Bangladesh :: Agriculture, n.d.).

Jute: Is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is a similar product to cotton (site).

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InfrastructureBangladesh’s infrastructure is

one of their greatest limiting factors in economic growth.

Their infrastructure industry is one of the most underdeveloped in the world ranking 126th out of 133 countries (Bangladesh Infrastructure, n.d.).

Transport facilities are severely lacking causing traffic bottlenecks that drive up the cost of business and goods (Bangladesh Infrastructure, n.d.).

Power shortages are also a major drawback, illustrated by a 128th of 133 ranking for competitiveness of electricity supply (Bangladesh Infrastructure, n.d.).

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Clothing

Formal and Informal By: Molly Peterson

Informal clothing Women: Saris: A large piece of fabric that drapes over the body. These are a traditional garment

worn by women, in all different types of fabric . Salwar Kameez; a three-piece garment that consists of loose trousers, a long tunic and

a scarf that drapes over shoulders. This outfit is popular among girls and young adults. Salwar Kameez is a traditional outfit to wear to school Women typically cover there whole body with clothes or dress conservatively because

of the Islamic and Muslim religion in Bangladesh.

Men: Lungi a long cloth rapped and lower half of the body, worn with a vest is popular

among the countryside or the less-wealthy. Shirts and pants are common in urbanized areas Men wear shoes that are easy to get on and off, such as slippers and sandals.

Formal ClothingWomen: Saris made out of elaborate artistic fabric or adjourned

with beading is most commonly worn to parties, special events and festivals.

Gold Jewelry is worn with formal attire, to increase status and beauty.

Salwar Kameez in elaborate colors and fabricsIn Urban areas women may wear skirts, pants, and

tops.

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Formal Clothing Men:A version of the westernized suit is seen at

formal events.Sherwani and Charidar a calf-length tunic and

loose trousers is the traditional attire for a wedding.

Panjabi; a long tunic is worn to religious and cultural events

White cotton pajamas are indicative of someone with high status.

A white dress displays an occupation that does not require hard labor.

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Verbal Rituals

when the speak it is very implicit/indirect.they have very long and “rich” contextualized

sentences that are only understood with the correct body language.

When speaking they stand very close together, unless speaking with a woman.

From an outsiders point of view the way they communicate may be taken as being rude.

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Nonverbal Rituals

Being angry, lack of personal hygiene, eye contact, frustration, or bad eye contact mean your “unwelcoming” to others.

In the business world negative gestures cause a great discomfort for customers.

If smiles, eye contact, and assertive body language is displayed people feel like they are gaining a trusting relationship from you.

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Greeting RitualsMen shake hands with men.If uncertain to shake hands with a woman,

wait for a woman to extend their hand.When you walk in a room greet the oldest

person firstWhen saying goodbye you must say bye to

everyone individually.

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The correct way to address someone

. Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer. . Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession. . If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam". . Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's name.

 Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.

The Gender Roles

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Adapting to others who are different from you can be both interesting and challenging.

Intercultural communication competence is described as, “ The ability to adapt one’s

behavior toward another person in ways that are appropriate to other persons culture”

(Beebe et al., 2010). Learning the main gender roles in Bangladesh , would you easily adapt to

this culture?

By Yelena Mikshanskaya

Children In Bangladesh about 55 million people

live in poverty. Parents greatly influence children to participate in labor. Therefore, kids are found to be working an average of 48 hours a week in hazardous environments which include industries (Hossain ,2010).

Following orders is expected, commands must be obeyed as a sign of respect for both girls and boys (Nimbark, 2001).

Daughters are to help their mothers with the household. Therefore, females stop attending school earlier than males. As for Boys, they have more latitude for movement outside the household ( Nimbark, 2001).

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Women

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In Bangladesh women are dependent on men throughout their whole lives from fathers, to husbands, and even sons.

Women are expected to get married between ages fifteen and twenty. They are always expected to please their husbands desires (SIGI, 2011).

The Constitution affirms gender equality, but state legislation and institutions often ignore women's rights. Furthermore women and young girls are more disadvantaged than men in their access to education, health care, and financial assets (SIGI, 2011).

Women have no protection against violence which is quite common. Especially sexual harassment, assaults, and rapes. Acid attacks are common and are usually caused by revenge due to rejection. Also, after the husband returns tired from a long day at work (Hossain, 2010).

Women are allowed to speak only when spoken to and are never seen in public events. Their lives revolve around their husbands, children, cooking, cattle feeding, and processing rice (SIGI, 2011).

Men• In Bangladesh men are the main wage

earners and decision makers. Therefore, fathers decide who their children marry (Maloney& Aziz, 2001).

• Men are expected to marry at around twenty-five or older. Some men who are comfortable economically have two or more wife's indicating he can support more than one wife (Maloney& Aziz, 2001).

• Men’s work is agriculture such as: office tending, business matters, and shopping. With exceptions such as weeding which is only done by poor, tribal, or old women(Maloney & Aziz, 2001).

• Men handle all the money (Hossain, 2010).

• Men beat their wife’s if she speaks to other males, or doesn’t respect her parents in law (Maloney& Aziz, 2001).

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Bangladesh ReligionBy Jason Rexroad

Bangladesh ReligionThe people of Bangladesh are

deeply religiousApproximately 85% of the

Bangladesh population are Muslim

Roughly 12% are HinduAbout 3% are BuddhistSome ½ of 1% are ChristiansMosques, temples and shrines

to respect saints fill the cities and dot the countryside

The year is filled with religious festivals and holidays

http://www.aobbangladesh.org/Bangladesh

Religious festivals and holidays Islam being a majority throughout the country praying is an

everyday occurrence. Islamic holidays:I. Eid-ul-Azha; which is a festival of sacrifice in honor of

Allah.II. Ramadan; which a month of fasting between dawn and

dusk.III. Eid-ul-Firt: festival marking the end of Ramadan.Hindu holidays:I. Kati Puja; which is a festival that pays respect to the female

goddess Kali.II. Durgapuja; is a 10 day festival acknowledging the female

warrior goddess Durga.Christian holidays:I. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.Buddists celebrate the birth of Buddha. (Harris, 2011)Image

http://www.everyculture.com

Religion and its role in culture, society, government and public life

Understanding the spiritual roots of a country provides deeper insight into its culture.

This information can give a better understanding of the social customs, traditions, behaviors and beliefs of the culture.

Because of the strong religious background a basic understanding of the religious culture can be key to interpreting associated behavior in the Bangladesh government, business, public, family, and social life.

Understanding the religious culture of Bangladesh will help with communicating and establishing successful relations in a respectful manner and help avoid social or political mistakes or misunderstandings communicating with the people of Bangladesh.

Image: http://www.juggle.com/bangladesh

In Conclusion, Bangladesh has a lot of interesting information that a lot of the

people do not know about. The main points were presented by:

Geography of Bangladesh (By Mariya Roata)

Economy of Bangladesh (By Stephen Stabbert)

Bangladesh Nonverbal use of Clothing (formal and informal) (By Molly Peterson)

Bangladesh Rituals (verbal and nonverbal traditions) (By Kasey Murrey )

Bangladesh Gender Roles (By Yelena Mikshanskaya)

Bangladesh Religion (By Jason Rexroad)

Questions 1. What are the 3 major (biggest) rivers in

Bangladesh?

2. What order do you say goodbye to people in Bangladesh?

3. Is religion an important part of the Bangladesh culture? Why?

4. What are some major differences between gender roles in Bangladesh and America?

5. What are the three components to a Shalwar Kameez garment?

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ReferencesApril. (2011, Apr 14). Culture of bangladesh - history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family.

Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Bangladesh.html

Ashraful Aziz, A. A., & Clarence Maloney, C. M. (2001). Life stages, gender and fertility in Bangladesh. (pp. 74-80). International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Retrieved from http://dspace.icddrb.org/dspace/bitstream/123456789/2564/1/Life stages gender and fertility in Bangladesh, Monograph No 3.pdf

Bangladesh. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/51736/Bangladesh

Bangladesh :: Agriculture. (n.d.). The Bangladesh Travel Guide : Know Bangladesh, Travel to Bangladesh & Discover Bangladesh Naturally. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/meetbangladesh/agriculture.html

"Bangladesh." Cities of the World. 2002. Retrieved November 17, 2011 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3410700171.html

Bangladesh Clothing . (n.d.). In Discovery Bangladesh . Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/meetbangladesh/clothing.html

Bangladesh :: Economy. (n.d.). The Bangladesh Travel Guide : Know Bangladesh, Travel to Bangladesh & Discover Bangladesh Naturally. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/meetbangladesh/economy.html

Bangladesh Infrastructure (Introduction) :: Bangladesh's need for infrastructure has not gone unnoticed by its two largest neighbors, India and China. . (n.d.). Trade Gallery of Asia,B2B Asian Business Portals,Trade in Asia,Asian Business Sites,Asian Trade Gallery. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from http://www.asiatradehub.com/bangladesh/intro.asp

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2010). The Blue Book of Communication Studies (TCC Custom Edition ed. , pp. 161). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

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ReferencesCultural information - bangladesh. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=bd

Harris, M.S. (2011). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved November 6, 2011, from http://www.everyculture.com

Hossain , M. H. (2010). Child labour:trends and features . Retrieved from http://www.banglarights.net/HTML/Childlabour.htm

JUTE BAG AUSTRALIA. (n.d.). JUTE BAG. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from http://www.jutebag.com.au/aboutJute.htm

Nimbark, A. (2001). Bangladesh. In R. Marlow-Ferguson (Ed.), World Education Encyclopedia (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 98-102). Detroit: Gale. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CCX3409700026&v=2.1&u=tacoma_comm&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w

NLM (A service of the U.S National Institutes of health) (2011), Gender and sexuality among men and women in Bangladesh. Retrieved from http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/ma?f=102259568.html

SIGI (Social Institutions And Gender Index) (2011), Gender equality and social institutions in Bangladesh . Retrieved from http://genderindex.org/country/bangladesh

Silence. (2005). Bangladesh - culture, customs, language and etiquette. Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/bangladesh.html

South Asia: Bangladesh. (n.d.). The World Factbook. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/bg.html

The people of Bangladesh. (n.d.). In Sreepur Village . Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.sreepurvillage.org/documents/Sreepur%20Village%20Education%20Resources%203.pdf

Walker, B. (n.d.). Bangladesh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh